Gambling task force forming; members sought

The Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services is seeking community leaders, gambling addiction professionals and concerned citizens to serve on a Problem Gambling Task Force for the Northeast Gaming Zone in the Kansas City area.

The task force will serve as a link to the northeast Kansas community and will work to address unique local needs that stem from gambling addictions. Professionals suggested for the task force include treatment providers, local elected officials, law enforcement and veterans’ and minority advocates, and anyone who wants to help create effective strategies for addressing problem gambling.

Task forces have already been established for the West Gaming Zone, which includes Dodge City’s Boot Hill Casino, and the South Central Gaming Zone near Wichita. In addition, SRS is hiring a Problem Gambling Specialist to serve the Northeast Gaming Zone and work closely with the new task force.

The task forces typically meet monthly for at least an hour.

Funding for the salaries for the Problem Gaming Specialists as well as all three of the task forces come from the Problem Gambling Fund, which the Kansas Legislature established and funded with 2 percent of revenues from state-owned casinos.

Individuals interested in joining the Problem Gambling Task Force for the Northeast Gaming Zone should email Paul Hahn at problemgambling@srs.ks.gov.